Part 227 - Halt at Sanden; reconnaissance of Nyungsang La and seed collection plans

1 page

SUMMARY:
The diarist halts at Sanden and makes an early ascent to the Nyungsang La to take bearings and panoramas, noting clear views toward Mago, Milakatung La, and near Tsona after recent poor weather in Bhutan. Mago lamas arrive with some seeds; Danang is sent to the Bum La to collect white Meconopsis and Primulas, while previously bagged seed flowers from July are brought in. Plans and routes for retrieving seed bags and collecting around Bum La, Takpa, Tsona, and Mago are outlined.

CONTENT:
112

retrieve seed bags left in these places. The missing dak is not traced yet, but at least it seems that it has not gone as far from its P.O. as Trashigang.
Danang(?) to Bum La, Takpa and to Tsona, or there to Mago - all to collect seeds.

19th October. Halt Sanden. A perfect day. Mist was low & it rained a spot or two in the evening, then cleared up by 10 pm to a beautiful night. I left in the early morning before light (5:30) & went up quickly to the Nyungsang La to take bearings & panoramas of the country to the North. Rough sketch opposite. The Mago hills (West of Mago) were very fine, but clouded over soon after 9:00 am. I could see to the Milakatung La, & to some hills near Tsona. The air was an absolute treat after all the dampness & beastliness we have had so much of in Bhutan. And it will be fine tomorrow too. When I returned I found the Mago lamas had just arrived & brought some seed. They have no white Meconopsis seeds, but have the small Tulung La one. Also Thalictrum, & an assortment of rubbish which they thought might be of use. But Danang is off (horridus 659) to the Bum La & should get the white Meconopsis up there, besides some Primulas. The seed flowers which I bagged here in July were brought in yesterday. There are only a few, but I think I can get more.

Ludlow p. 148. S. went to the Nyung Sang La for a beautiful view of Tawang & the peaks to the East of it - the same peaks we saw looking West from Mago.